If you are still named on the mortgage you remain ‘jointly and severally liable’ for the debt. Photograph: Jeff Morgan /Alamy

I have a bill of £9,000 because I have been lumbered with responsibility for my ex-husband’s house, which is worth less than the mortgage.

I jointly owned the property until we divorced in 2012. The divorce settlement awarded it to my ex-husband and stipulated that he should seek to release me from the mortgage obligations and indemnify me against any future liabilities. Despite the court ruling, he refused to remove my name from the mortgage or the deeds. He declared himself bankrupt in February 2015 and since March I have had to take over the mortgage payments of £329.51 a month.

I had hoped to sell it and pay off the loan, but the only offer I’ve had is £9,000 less than the value of the mortgage. My ex neglected the property so it also needs around £15,000 spent on repairs. The divorce court order says the property isn’t mine and I should not be liable, but the mortgage company says I am liable for the shortfall. I have let my lender know about the offer on the property and have received their “shortfall” pack to complete and return. Please can you advise me of my rights or steps or action I can take to prevent me from having to pay? LG, Buxton

Unfortunately, the terms of the divorce do not affect the terms of the mortgage, and as you are still named on it you remain “jointly and severally liable” for the debt. This means the lender has the right to pursue you for any shortfall.

At the heart of this problem is that your ex-partner refused to remove your name from the mortgage – the only recourse would have been to apply for a court order to force the property’s sale, but this would be expensive.

According to the charity Money Advice Trust you have two choices: sell for the current offer, or opt for “voluntary repossession” by handing the keys to the lender for auction. The current offer, however disappointing, is likely to be the better option. “No statutory powers exist to limit or reduce the resulting shortfall, and the only course of action left is to explore repayment options with the lender,” says a spokesperson for the charity.

“You have done the right thing by talking to the mortgage company. Repayment options might include negotiating a repayment plan, offering a one-off lump sum in ‘full and final settlement’ or remortgaging your home to absorb this debt. All have advantages and disadvantages, and I would recommend you seek free, expert advice from National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or nationaldebtline.org.”

If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.